Welsh Universities Report Decline in Overseas Students

The latest figures from Universities Wales shows there are 16.2% fewer students from outside the EU attending Welsh universities.

The decline in students between 2013 and 2015 is estimated to have cost the Welsh economy £59.8 million.

The figures show little change in the number of students from EU countries in the two years up to 2015-16, although this was prior to the EU referendum.

The biggest declines were seen in the number of students from south Asia, in particular India and Bangladesh. The decline in students from these countries has been partly attributed to visa issues.

Commenting on the numbers, Professor Iwan Davies, senior pro-vice chancellor at Swansea University and chairman of Global Wales, said: "It's true there has been a slight decline in numbers - around 16% - that's a reflection of the fact in Wales we have a significant number of students from south Asia."

The figures come as Education Secretary Kirsty Williams prepares to visit Vietnam to help boost Wales as a place to study.

It's hoped this proactive work will help to offset the declines, with both Vietnam and USA seen as priority markets.